Listener No 4215 Getting in Shape by Rood

[Ruthrobin]

Another cracker! We thought this was wonderful but how very tough. Obviously the editors are getting their own back on those who whinged that last week's lovely creation was too easy. We had pdm after pdm during the solving process, with astonishingly challenging but fair clues and thought the endgame was sheer magic. Thank you Rood for a stunning creation.

[teuchter2]

Yes, congrats. Jim. I did get 500 before you however, and I have no idea what it was about! How can someone so young be a devotee of the Listener? I'm sure I didn't discover it until I was well past twice his age!

[jim360]

Yes it's one of those questions where, well, there's a limited number of ways you can combine 1000 and 2, so it's probably either 2000 or 500, so try 500.

I got into cryptic crosswords a while back when the school buses has the Metro paper, and that metro paper had a cryptic crossword that was comparatively easy, but a good intro. Eventually I got into the times, then found the listener. For about 3 years I just turned the page to the chess section, but last year after having a crack at one of the numericals, and getting good-ish at Times crosswords, I thought blow it I'm going to learn how to do these. And here I am!

I spend far too much time on them when I should be working...

[Alekhine]

Another late start for me this week, what with a business trip to Ireland, an away day at Ashton Gate and an evening of 'him' jim on University Challenge. By the way ... isn't Amber Ace one of the all-time best names? She should have been a fictional detective or captain of the World netball champions.

Anyway, back to business. 4215 was excellent. It took me back to my days in Madrid.

[fyellin]

I confess to also being extremely bothered by the BRB's definition of the 9-letter word. When finishing the puzzle, I wasn't sure whether to apply the final "coup de grace" implied by the nine-letter word. But given the "official" definition, I suppose I'm not supposed to.

It seems that there have been a few puzzles in the last year in which the there has been ambiguity as to what exactly to highlight, or what what to draw, or which piece goes into which side of the puzzle.

[olichant]

Congratulations, Jim!

I've only just finished this, and found it tough - but a wonderful puzzle. I agree that the BRB is a little iffy when it comes to some science/maths stuff - but I guess it all comes down to the rules of engagement.

[contendo]

Yes, well done Jim. Those physics questions weren't exactly a doddle especially under pressure.
Thanks for your embarrassing comment Dr B. Somehow I never learn to read the preamble. Well I've got some corners filled now, but still a long way to go.

[tenflags]

I found the puzzle hard to get into but enjoyed it .. apart from trying to follow the instructions as many have alluded to here. Nine letter word fine but don't enjoy these sort of strokey beard moments at the end when you feel you have done it but......

[teuchter2]

Thanks for that insight Jim. I suppose an away day at Ashton gate would be more pleasurable than a home day at the moment. As I hail from Bristol, although haven't lived in 'Engerland' for donkeys' years, I feel a bit of affinity for the Robins, and have met Sean Penny when visiting my brother. (Not sure how he spells his Sean though). These musings aside I am still no more certain as to what to do with the denoument of this one, although I have ruled out one of my original thoughts, so I suppose that is some progress.

[Coalminers]

Well done Jim....another Guttenplan or Trimble in the making! And thanks for doing your bit to make sure the best university won!
This was an excellent and challenging crossword for the more experienced solver, but I don't suppose it will be a serious contender for the cup since the denouement hinges on a weakish (where did I get that word from) definition in the BRB.

[jim360]

Well I'm flattered with the comparison with the UC greats but so far I've only got eight starters (plus a few bonuses) in two shows, and Guttenplan averaged that in half an episode usually!! Still it's a team effort and "King's Ace" was on fire last night. Much to her embarrassment as we watched it in the bar with fellow students. I'm eager to improve my personal performance for next time out!

On the bright side, that was the second-highest total score in a match so far this series so clearly we were up against strong opposition, so it's a good win from that perspective. Not sure when I am next on but I think it's probably the first or second Monday in December - no doubt I'll post here when I know!

[tenflags]

All too clever for me. Well before then young Jimbo you can have an easier time (well easier for you anyway being a mathy boy) as.....

I think it might be a numbers one next week......

[contendo]

I'm hoping to make it into the Wednesday club. I think I've got everything except the 9-letter word which continues to elude me. I thought many of the clues were quite outstanding and also amusing. Two gripes - 32ac doesn't seem to be in the BRB, and I agree that the final instruction is not as specific as it might be.

[perseverer]

contendo - 32a is in BRB OK- have you the correct unchecked letter and have you looked really carefully in the BRB (sorry- that sounds cheeky.) Full nine letter word is one not all that many solvers would have been familiar with, I don't think. As already has been said, when you do find its definition, it will probably help you to follow the final instruction

[moffat]

Aha ! Got it. Now, please can I stay up late and have supper with the grown-ups?

[olichant]

Incidentally, I'm sure everyone else has already noticed, but how neat that the objects identifed in the sixth word of the "indirect" instruction have thematic significance. I hope that's sufficiently cryptic.

[Coalminers]

Well spotted Olichant...that had completely passed me by.

[taittinger]

Agreed, tenflages, I second the motion about not entirely unambiguous endgames. Much stroking of (imaginary) beards on this grid inter alia. Especially after an excess of bubbly. Perhaps you could enlighten me: [email protected]

[serpentinew]

Strange one this for me - full grid, have the instructions but can't make any sense of first one. Can anyone give me a gentle nudge ([email protected] if it does nt lend itself to subtlety)

[Philoctetes]

Phew, finished in time! Away until last Friday in Germany, and completely bushed until starting this on Monday. Just what was needed to refocus the mind, and what one expects from a Listener. Onward!